Alberto Flores, a 16-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically shot and killed on February 21, 2021, in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, IL. The incident occurred around 5:10 p.m. in the 3300 block of West 30th Street. Alberto was walking when he encountered Santos Chavez, a 27-year-old reputed member of the Two-Six street gang. According to Cook County prosecutors, Chavez shot Alberto after the teenager flashed a Latin King sign at him.
Chavez, who was driving a white Chevrolet Impala, rolled down his window and fired a weapon, striking Alberto in the chest. A second shot was believed to have been fired as Chavez drove off. Alberto collapsed and was later pronounced dead at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
The investigation into Alberto's death led to the arrest of Santos Chavez nearly a year later. Chavez was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. He was apprehended by members of the Great Lakes Fugitive Apprehension Task Force in Joliet, IL. Chavez's arrest was based on the identification by two individuals who were with Alberto at the time of the shooting. Additionally, surveillance footage from a private camera and police POD cameras, along with license plate readers, captured Chavez's vehicle traveling to and from the crime scene.
Chavez's defense attorney questioned the delay in charging him, noting that Chavez had not been hiding and had a pending unlawful use of a weapon case from July, as well as two pending misdemeanor domestic battery charges in Kane County. Despite these arguments, Judge Mary Marabou ordered Chavez held without bail. Chavez, a father of six and a forklift driver, was expected to appear in court again on February 2, 2022.
The tragic death of Alberto Flores highlights the ongoing issue of gang violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on young lives and their families. The case remains a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such violence in communities.
